On the first Festival Day we brought the project [a linha] out to the streets of Alfama. On the first day of public consultation we have shown which are the different places in the neighbourhood that we think need a small intervention. Through a treasure hunt the different participants (locals and passers by) suggested different types of interventions that should/could be developed in those different misused spaces in Alfama.

Throughout the day several Portuguese and foreign people (mostly) wanted to know more about the project. Some curious ones came over and asked what was represented on the map, but is still noticeable that more direct participation techniques must be used to captivate the local residents and get them to embrace this community project.

Each participant was invited to make some general suggestions on how the neighbourhood could be improved. Bad smells from dog’s wee, lack of urban higiene were some of the most cited problems along with the lack of green spaces, spaces with less stairs (for the elderly and children to access), spaces to play football, basketball, playgrounds, sports fields, street benches and other places for one to rest, lack of bins. Other suggestions were also made mostly related to cultural events. Those include outdoor film projections, community kitchens, overall use of the existing stairs around the neighbourhood for performances and concerts.